U.S. Naval Academy Installs Floating Concrete Docks

On the Santee Basin, west of Washington, D.C., in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) fortified its fixed timber dock marina with a new 200-foot wave attenuator.

Maryland-based Tuckman-Barbee Construction, acting as general contractor and engineer, designed the structure with SF Marina floating concrete docks while Crandell Marine Construction and Seaward Marine Construction installed the new system.

At 200 feet in length, the attenuator is built from 13 SF Marina SF400 Series concrete floating breakwater pontoons. Each pontoon is anchored by two 24-inch steel piles. A patented coupling system absorbs energy from wave action to ensure a long life of service through stormy weather. A 50-foot access opening allows for ingress and egress to the man-made Santee Basin. The seaward side of the attenuator is fitted with stainless steel tracks that mount a row of sloping timber docks to accommodate the USNA’s fleet of racing dinghies.

Among the 89,000 midshipmen graduated during its 178 years of operation, the USNA’s list of alumni includes 73 Medal of Honor recipients and one U.S. President.